[SOLVED] How to unlock BIOS options of rebranded TONGFANG chassis systems?

@Lost_N_BIOS - I actually did try reflashing it as my first attempt to fix the unable being to boot into the BIOS but that did not fix it. Also can you guide me a little bit about what ME System Tools package I should download, im not super knowledgeable about bios and stuff but here is a snippet that should tell which ME Systems tool package to get I just dont understand which one. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1s3yVcr…PFciBLJM1Qs3XBB

There is a method to clear CMOS, but that should have been done by your BIOS flash, so there may be some issue or this is the default enabled setting.
You can confirm this is the issue or not, by simply removing the HDD/SSD, and any USB sticks, so there is no bootable media, if it then does not boot to BIOS or give you an option screen to boot to BIOS, then there is some other issue.
If Win10 is installed by default, this is probably the issue, this setting I mean. There is a way to reboot to BIOS/UEFI From the windows troubleshooting exit menu, here is one example how to do it (see end of this guide, GUI and CMD Prompt method shown) https://www.maketecheasier.com/boot-uefi-from-windows10/

Your ME FW is Version 12, so you need ME System Tools package V12

I also tried booting into the bios with the CMD command as well as the reboot to BIOS/UEFI and it still did not boot into BIOS. I have provided another picture just to confirm which software I will download and install (making sure because I don’t wanna brick my system lol) https://drive.google.com/open?id=18-7dCp…6d52e2ttUwt3pxQ

I will try and provide the results of removing the HDD and SSD in the morning if not late afternoon :slight_smile: - @Lost_N_BIOS

Hey @Lost_N_BIOS I was just wondering if you were interested in cracking open the bios of the new eluktronics mag-15 (or xmg fusion 15). Because it’s the successor of this model. And it seems that at least in the current bios, there may be some issues. They have involved Intel with it now. Anyhow we just really want to know if the bios is similar as before. To be cracked open in a similar way. Or if intel has put some completely different BIOS in there which is nothing like the mech g2 / overpowered one was.

To cite 1 specific firmware? or software? limitation with this laptop:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/…8#post-10951701

It is also mentioned in post #1 too. At the beginning of the thread.

Speaking of that particular issue: if the GPU thermal limit is in the gpu bios… then that would be more difficult wouldn’t it? Because those nvidia bios are signed / crossflashing is the only method.

Ofc we understand that is not the same thing as the main bios. Or the EC bios. Just asking for some clarifications. If you ever feel like downloading / cracking open these brand new BIOS. Thanks. And if the XMG version of the bios is any different (probably not, if it’s also controlled by Intel). Anyhow we really appreciated your past work on the previous Overpowered models. So you are the current expert here. Kind Regards.

@Nova.bat - ME Drivers is what you showed in that images, this is unrelated to what you need to get here, if you are wanting to dump BIOS with FPT.
Go to this thread and in the section “C” download the V12 ME System Tools Package
Intel Management Engine: Drivers, Firmware & System Tools

@dreamcat4 - Sure thing Yes, depending on the vBIOS, if it’s in there, then it may not be able to be adjusted due to what you mentioned, or due to no compatible software to edit it.
However, laptop vBIOS are less secure in that aspect, and there is tools to flash some mod vBIOS, so it all depends.

What is the “Model” name of this system, I tried to lookup BIOS in google, and seems I need to know it’s proper model name like this for example >> N850HK1, P650HP6-G etc
https://www.eluktronics.com/bios-updates/
https://www.eluktronics.com/n850hk1-n857…k1-bios-update/


All the BIOS in this thread are Intel BIOS (AMI)

Please link me to a download of your BIOS, or provide me a FPT Dump of your BIOS region and I will see if I can unlock it for you. I do want a copy of the stock BIOS too, if you can find, have link etc, in case someone asks me later, but it’s not necessary for the unlock

Check BIOS main page and see if ME FW version is shown, if not then download HWINFO64 and on the large window on left side, expand motherboard and find ME area, inside that get the ME Firmware version.
Once you have that, go to this thread and in the section “C” download the matching ME System Tools Package (ie if ME FW version = 10.x get V10 package, if 9.0-9.1 get V9.1 package, if 9.5 or above get V9.5 package etc)
Intel Management Engine: Drivers, Firmware & System Tools

Once downloaded, inside you will find Flash Programming Tool folder, and inside that a Windows or Win/Win32 folder. Select that Win folder, hold shift and press right click, choose open command window here (Not power shell).
At the command prompt type the following command and send me the created file to modify >> FPTw.exe -bios -d biosreg.bin

Right after you do that, try to write back the BIOS Region dump and see if you get any error, if you do show me image of the command entered and the error given >> FPTw.exe -bios -f biosreg.bin

If you are stuck on Win10 and cannot easily get command prompt, and method I mentioned above does not work for you, here is some links that should help
Or, copy all contents from the Flash Programming Tool \ DOS folder to the root of a USB Bootable disk and do the dump from DOS (FPT.exe -bios -d biosreg.bin)
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-add-c…creators-update
https://www.windowscentral.com/add-open-…menu-windows-10
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/open-…ator-privileges

Hey @Lost_N_BIOS thank you for providing all these detailed instructions for how to get started. But it was not necessary ATM as unfortunately I am not an owner of this laptop yet. So unable to provide those requested per-machine dumps etc. But I do hope that other users of mag 15 / xmg fusion 15 may be able to help contribute that here.

In the meantimes at least XMG have finally released a BIOS download for this laptop, which is found at the bottom of it’s new drivers page here:

https://download.schenker-tech.de/packag…on-15-xfu15l19/

There is not yet any similar new bios published on eluktronics website. Although there is supposed to be some new bios coming, we should expect it at that same page you were looking at. Under their brand name ‘MAG 15’ is the name they use rather than some other less well known Tongfang / Clevo model id. https://www.eluktronics.com/bios-updates/

BTW I also wanted to mention that also since our last conversation that elsewhere @Prema has posted some rather high firestrike scores with this laptop. Then someone else said they were all time high scores for the 9750H. So perhaps there is potential for some BIOS tweaking with it at the BIOS level. For example one of the things Perma did there: was get to 3000Mhz memory running on it.

We also discovered that the 87C GPU temp limit was not actually locked. It can be changed with ASUS GPU Tweak II. Which was the main concern there. So that’s all fine.

Personally I would like to see more tuning options from direct in the BIOS (rather than in windows). As that is helpful for Linux users. Who dont have access to those same windows based overclocking utilities.

Anyhow @Lost_N_BIOS thank you for all you do for this community. We shall see how this develops. Have a nice day.

And finally there is now the link to the Mag 15 biosmade available on eluktronics website too

https://www.eluktronics.com/mag-15-drivers/

@dreamcat4 - All that can be changed directly in unlocked BIOS, so you wont need to use any Asus software tools. I can unlock all those, but best for other users that I don’t post any complete unlocked BIOS, due to people flash mod BIOS with FPT and loose their board specifics (serial and LAN MAC ID most importantly)
That’s why I provide either the modified BIOS modules so users can modify their own FPT dumps and reflash them, or the general edit method to do the mod to the files yourself in the spoiler at this guide - OverPowered TONGFANG CyberPower Machrevo MACHENIKE - Unlocked BIOS Guide W/ Files

But yes, I can and will do the XMG Fusion 15 and Eluktronics MAG 15 and add them to the guide above, tomorrow when I have more time.
I’ll also be adding XMG Neo 15 - M19 rtx 2060 for another user that requested earlier today

You’re welcome, and thank you too

* Edit -
@dreamcat4 - For this system >> Eluktronics MAG 15 << BIOS is a mess I need to see BIOS images, one of each main page you can see (Please put in zip, and make small images if you know how too, I only need quick look, no need for 3-5MB images)
Neither of these you’ll be able to update via stock method. All mods will need to be done per user BIOS, dump with FPT, apply mod, reflash with FPT. And for the FPT reflash of the mod BIOS, you will first have to unlock BIOS Lock on both too
And now, checking the other BIOS as I reply, same mess… Please provide images for both systems, in separate folders, but you can put in same archive. You can probably screenshot to USB via F12

I’m the semi happy owner of a UtopiaComputers.co.uk Mech 15".
My DXdiag detects it as a TongFang GK5CN6Z machine / system model.
Should I try any of the BIOS listed in the beginning of this thread?
Does it mean it’s compatible with my machine if they’re both called GK5CN6Z ?

How do I ensure I don’t brick my system / keep a BIOS backup? I’m not a computer illiterate by any means, I just haven’t touched much BIOS editing before… and the locked down, scarce BIOS options I’m given (exactly as in Post #1 on this thread) are really annoying me, since they might be key to giving me more trouble wih my machine than results.

Cheers,
Pwnchap

@Pwnchap - generally speaking, yes, GK5CN6Z works with other GK5CN6Z variants. My suggestion is you flash to whatever stock version you choose first, then use the mod files
In the main guide located below, there is two GK5CN6Z BIOS versions from two different brands. Whichever you choose, if you use one of those, flash the stock one first before using the mod files.
OverPowered TONGFANG CyberPower Machrevo MACHENIKE - Unlocked BIOS Guide W/ Files

But, if you want, you do not have to use another model’s BIOS, you can send me your stock BIOS if you have it (package preferred, so I can give to others later if needed, for above suggested flash stock first scenario)
If you do not have your stock BIOS, dump BIOS region with FPT, and send to me, I will mod for you and send back, then you flash it in. And then I can add this model/GK5CN6Z variant to the guide for others too
How to do that is outlined in link above, steps #1-2

I checked their site, and they do not offer downloads (drivers, BIOS etc). Maybe you can email them and ask for latest BIOS update package, usually many sellers will reply kindly with requested files.

To 100% ensure you can recover you need CH341A flash programmer + SOIC8 test clip with cable, those are less than $7 total shipped for both.

@Lost_N_BIOS
I am back. would you telling me if there is been an update to the bios you had shared earlier (listed in the post to which I am replying)
reason is that I am facing an issue in sleep/resume windows 10 on this laptop, keyboard doesnt come back. only trackpad resumes.

I have done all kinds of stuff to fix it, however, to no effect.
I have been on linux all this time and there its been fine. I needed to boot to windows for some work and facing this issue.
Many thanks for reading till this far.

@geekasm - I have no clue what BIOS you are referring to, you’ll have to link me or give the post #.
Are you using mod BIOS? If yes, flash back to stock one, and see if your issue remains or not, if that bug is in the stock BIOS too, nothing I can do about that, you’d have to bring it up with manufacturer.

Since you say you do not have any issue in Linux, sounds like a windows/driver issue you have, not BIOS related.

@Lost_N_BIOS I ll do that as well. I am referring to post #238 where you had shared modbios. here is the link:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?fil…163208513423286

wanted to know if there is been an update to it, so that I could try to update it as well.
Many thanks for the kind response !

@geekasm - that helps a little, I can see your mod BIOS link there, but I don’t see your brand/model mentioned. Anyway, check main page, and if you do not see a different version # posted for your model, then I do not have any updated version.
I don’t have these systems myself, or keep up with BIOS updates, I only unlock what users give me or link me to. There may be updated BIOS out there for your model, I wouldn’t know unless you downloaded that and sent to me, or sent me the links etc.
You have to look at your manufacturer page, or in google, for updated BIOS versions. If you do find updated BIOS for your model and need it modified let me know.
Also keep in mind, some models you can use other brands BIOS, so maybe you could solve sleep issue that way. Check in google to confirm which can be used for your model, there’s usually discussion of that

Thanks @Lost_N_BIOS , as always.
I did download the stock bios and flash it. issue is resolved post it. Just publishing it here for information.
The issue might have been due to the few updates I had made to your bios. I ll dive in more when I get more time.
Thanks again.

@geekasm - You’re welcome! Good you have resolved the issue with stock BIOS, now test my mod files as-is with stock BIOS (FPT Dumped first of course, then edit that and flash it back), and see if then you still have reliability as stock one.
If so, then the sleep issue may be due to something you edited in later as you mentioned (maybe ME Update, or Microcodes possibly?)



first I flashed a wrong EC rom (1.25.09) … that caust fan at full speed and wrong keyboard layout, I had original 1.08.09 with above EC and rom all was fine again. But that is 1.06.09.
Does anyone have EC 1.08.09 for me?
I also made a backup of the bios rom with the uefi flasher, but unable to flash it back to after the 1.04, it gives my security error.
My laptop feels slower (booting, get wifi ready and so on) but can’t prove it, thats why I wand it back to original state but (later) with the unlocked menu’s.

type is gj5cn6e by pc specialist

@jeroenvtec - Just program both BIOS and EC to a matching set, like the one I linked above. Or, pick some other compatible models BIOS/EC and use that instead, you may find one much newer than the one I linked.

yes that is my goal but I can’t find a newer matching set, and just the EC does strange things. N1.04
If someone read this and has a link to newer then please
The advanced menu unlock will start later.

@jeroenvtec - Did you ask Cyberpower via email if they have any update?